The first full moon and supermoon of 2026, known as the Wolf Moon, will be visible this weekend, appearing larger and brighter than usual. It will peak on January 3rd and will obscure the Quadrantid meteor shower, which will also be active during the same period.
We're in for a celestial treat to start the new year. This weekend will be the first full moon — and first supermoon — of 2026. The so-called Wolf Moon will reach peak illumination at 5:03 a.m. ET on Jan.
3, according to Space.com. Being a supermoon means it will appear bigger and brighter than a regular full moon because it is closer to Earth. RELATED STORY | The new Space Race: Satellites that track wildfires from orbitThe Wolf Moon got its name because of the howling of wolves often heard this time of year. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, other names for the January full moon include Center Moon , Cold Moon and Frost Exploding Moon , Freeze Up Moon and Severe Moon or Hard Moon . Because of the bold brightness of the Wolf Moon, it will be harder to see the second special celestial event: the Quadrantid meteor shower. The meteor shower will reach peak activity Saturday evening. Don't fret, though, astronomers say the shower will be active through Jan.16.
Supermoon Wolf Moon Full Moon Quadrantid Meteor Shower Astronomy
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
January 'Wolf Supermoon': How to see the full moon rise with Jupiter this weekendJamie Carter is a freelance journalist and regular Live Science contributor based in Cardiff, U.K. He is the author of A Stargazing Program For Beginners and lectures on astronomy and the natural world. Jamie regularly writes for Space.com, TechRadar.com, Forbes Science, BBC Wildlife magazine and Scientific American, and many others.
Read more »
Scott Wolf Calls 2025 the 'Hardest Year' Amid Kelley Wolf Divorce DramaScott Wolf opened up on Instagram calling 2025 'the hardest year' as he navigates his divorce from estranged wife Kelley Wolf
Read more »
January 2026 Full Wolf Supermoon in Cancer tarot card reading for each zodiac signThe Full Wolf Moon in Cancer arrives on January 3rd.
Read more »
Look up tonight: Quadrantid meteor shower will peak, joined by 1st supermoon of 2026This year's first supermoon is called the Super Wolf Moon.
Read more »
Stargazing Alert: Quadrantid Meteor Shower Peaks Alongside Super Wolf MoonSkywatchers are in for a treat as the Quadrantid meteor shower reaches its peak, coinciding with the first supermoon of the year, the Super Wolf Moon. This guide details what to expect and how to best view these celestial events, including the unique characteristics of the Quadrantids and the significance of the supermoon.
Read more »
Can you see full moon tonight? Here's what know about 'Wolf Moon'January’s full moon, known as the “Wolf Moon,” will be visible through Saturday as the first full moon of 2026.
Read more »